The Boundaries of Rationality

Compare and contrast key tenets of the models of “full rationality” that underpins neoclassical economics, and “bounded rationality” as discussed by Bryan Jones. What are the most important differences in these two models? Under what circumstances might one or the other model be a more appropriate means of conceptualizing human behavior?

Make reference not only to the case (and your thoughts about it) but also to the course readings.

Post your response by the end of Day 4. Then, choose two classmates and post follow-up questions to their initial posts by Day 5. Finally, respond to all questions you have received from your classmates by Day 7. Be sure you follow the guidelines for minimum word counts, draw on all of this week’s reading to construct your posts, and include citations and a reference list in the appropriate format. In case of late postings, and a lack of classmate responses, the originating student discussion post will not receive full credit if there are no responses to others.        

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In “Politics and Policy Analysis” (week 1), Peter May suggests that one definition of political feasibility is the probability of policy success. Given the conservative political climate of Oklahoma, one might expect that a universal preschool program would have a near-zero probability of success. Yet it was enacted in the late 1990s and exists to this day.  

Having reviewed the case materials and considering this week’s readings:  Pick one approach to analyze the readings and answer the prompt in full. 

Politics and Evidence: Having reviewed the case materials and considering the course readings to date, discuss how social science evidence and politics interact in this case. To what extent and in what manner was analysis influential? Are you convinced by the evidence supporting the benefits of universal preschool? Explain. Please make reference not only to the cases (and your thoughts about them) but also to the course readings. 

Develop Political Strategy: Reflect on the readings to date on the politics of policy formulation and adoption. Considering the current political environment, if you were an advocate for universal preschool, what would you pursue as a political strategy? Explain with reference to class readings.

Overcome Political Constraints: Having reviewed the case materials and considering the course readings to date, describe the political constraints that faced the legislative enactment of universal preschool. What were the perceptions of key actors and how did Joe Eddins work around them? What do you think of this strategy?